Bill to study advanced nuclear reactors gains momentum

The legislature is poised to send a bill to Gov. Phil Murphy that would direct a state regulatory agency to study the feasibility of building advanced nuclear reactors in the state. 

The bill, S4689, would direct the state’s Board of Public Utilities to determine suitable locations and regulatory needs for deploying advanced nuclear reactors as officials look for pathways to lowering the cost of energy. The “advanced” reactors are so called due to improvements in safety and efficiency.

“One of the more effective ways of countering higher utility costs is the expansion of sources of power,” said state Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Paulsboro), the bill’s sponsor. “Relying on a limited number of energy providers puts ratepayers at the mercy of fluctuations in the availability and expense of the energy they provide.”

The BPU’s report, which would be required within 18 months, would also analyze the economic and cost-saving effects of an advanced nuclear plant, consider safety and environmental impacts, and study how advanced reactors would fit within the region’s current energy infrastructure.

The bill moved through the Assembly nearly unanimously, and two state Senate committees cleared the legislation.

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill offered support for the construction of new nuclear facilities throughout the campaign, saying such energy would lower costs and reduce the state’s dependence on “dirty” energy sources like coal.

“If we are truly going to meet all the needs, you keep coming back to nuclear to really expand how much power we can produce cleanly,” she told a crowd in May.

Another bill would offer subsidies to pay for the construction of new nuclear plants, but the bill faces opposition from business groups, environmental activists, and more. They argue the bill would cause another spike in electric rates, including a $25-$55 spike for residents, according to the New Jersey Monitor. It’s not clear whether that bill will reach Murphy’s desk before he leaves office.